We are so excited to bring you a new feature . We are announcing our new weekly series- West Island MomPreneur. Every week we will feature a local west island mommy that has her own business and lives in the west island. It’s so important to support local and after the year we have had, we need to support our community more than ever. The month of May features, is sponsored by Kreative Memories Photography.
We are so excited to introduce you to our tenth MomPreneur : Tina Wentzell of West Island Mommies and Kreative Memories Photography and TIME Events & Marketing. Read all about Tina’s experience with being a MomPreneur.
- What is the name of your business and what is it about?
I am the founder and owner of West Island Mommies. I am also the owner of Kreative Memories Photography, which is my first baby. I opened Kreative almost 13 yrs ago. Photography has always been my passion. One day, I got frustrated with the lack of information for parents on the west island and West Island Mommies was born which will be 10 in September! About a year ago I joined forces with my good friend Melanie and we created Time Events & Marketing. It’s a busy plate to have but I would not have it any way! I am very passionate about all 3 businesses as they each complement each other.
2. How long have you been an entrepreneur and why did you become one?
After my daughter was born 14 years ago, I took the decision to start my own company. I embarked on this journey a year after she was born. I started Kreative Memories Photography. I have had a camera in my hand since I was very young. I love capturing special moments and memories. With the support of my husband I took the leap and never looked back. 4 years after I was in full business mode, I had the thought one day of creating West Island Mommies. A page where information about activities, events, workshops for parents can be shared and found. Where local small businesses can advertise their business at affordable prices. Where we can come together and support each other. It will be 10yrs in September that I have been running WIM. It has grown leaps and bounds in so many ways. Giving back to our community is one of the most important things and I try hard to help as many organizations as possible. I am a proud partner of the Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation.
A little over a year ago, I joined forces with my good friend Melanie to create Time Events & Marketing. We both work in marketing, event planning etc and we decided to join forces and work together on what we thought would be tons of fun local events.. but sadly covid hit and we pivoted our business to Prom Porch Parties until we can get back to events planning. All 3 businesses complement each other and at times work together.
3.What advice would you give to a Mom considering opening their own business?
If you are passionate about what you do- Go for it. But know it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. It’s hard work. I probably work 10 hrs a day / 7 days a week, harder than I have ever worked. Sure I can make my own schedule, take time off, but I have to make it up somehow. I absolutely love what I do , so it’s not a JOB but rather a passion. You gotta be all in to be an entrepreneur and if you are ready and love what you love, go for it!
4.Seeing we are all about our West Island Community, where are your Go to places?
I have sooo many places I go to. I love supporting local and buy from everyone I can when I need a gift.
For baby gifts I love AidenAston. They carry the softest baby clothes and gifts
For flowers, food and more I love heading over to the Marche de l’ouest.
Plaza Pointe Claire has some great shops for the whole family.
We LOVE Calzone Pizza in Kirkand. It’s our go to Pizza place if we are not cooking it ourselves.
For ready made meals, we really love Beurre et Baguette.
For all our balloon needs we use Busy Mom of 3. She has some great ideas!
Mani, pedi, waxing and more at MDW Salon and Spa in Kirkland
5. The past year has been a struggle for everyone, what has helped you the most get through it?
Keep busy. I never stopped working last March when everything started. I just kept going. Christmas time is usually my busiest season for photos. When January came, I decided to take time off and just take time for myself. That’s when the whole pandemic Hit me… hit me hard. I spent many days in PJs on the couch watching tv. I think I truly needed this time to just deal with everything. Once February came, things got a little busier with WIM and I came out of my shell. Things are starting to get better day to day. I take each day one at a time. I try not to plan ahead, cause we don’t know what the future holds. We have been renovating our home since last august and the feeling of sorting and purging is also a huge reward. Leaning on friends and family is the what helped me the most.
6. To wrap up, what are your must have items that you use or need everyday….
In no particular order..
1. Starting my morning with a Tea
2. My phone so I can snap pics on the go around the west island
3. Chocolate- I must have a piece everyday
4. A good pair of Sunglasses. I wear them everyday all year round
5. A good pair of Silver hoop earings
6. Hand sanitizer
7. Comfy shoes- if I could wear running shoes everyday I would. All about comfort
8. Canva for all my business needs
9. Sunscreen
10. A nice mani and pedi once in awhile to feel good
Social Media and Website:
Website: http://www.westislandmommies.com
Instagram: @westislandmommies, @kreativememoriesphoto, @timeeventsmtl
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/westislandmommies
www.facebook.com/kreativememoriesphotography
www.facebook.com/timeeventsmtl
If you would like to be featured as a local MomPreneur, click here to fill out the form. Please feel free to contact us for more information on becoming a monthly sponsor of the weekly series. You can email us at westislandmommies@gmail.com